Crew signs Defender Chad Barson to Homegrown contract

COLUMBUS — The Columbus Crew announced on Thursday it has agreed to a Homegrown contract with Lewis Center native and University of Akron standout Chad Barson. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, details of the contract were not disclosed.

Barson’s signature makes him the fifth Homegrown player in club history after his Akron teammate Wil Trapp signed with the Black & Gold last month. The Lewis Center native recently graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Akron with a 3.99 Grade Point Average after earning First Team NSCAA All-American honors. Barson started and appeared in 93 out of 95 games during his college career, tying Anthony Ampaipitakwong’s program record in matches played. The three-time All-MAC First Team defender played a team-high 2,254 minutes during the Zips 2010 NCAA Championship-winning season on a team that featured eight players who were on MLS rosters in 2012.

“Chad is a strong addition to our team and a player that we’ve had our eye on for some time,” said Crew Technical Director Brian Bliss.” “We’re obviously familiar with his abilities from our Youth system, and he enjoyed a successful career at the University of Akron. Chad will make a fine pro and we look forward to his contributions.”

In his time with the Crew Youth Program, Barson anchored the Black & Gold backline to the 2010 USYS U-19 and 2010 USL Super-20 League national championships. The Lewis Center native also saw time with the United States U-15, U-17 and U-18 National Teams while leading the Crew Soccer Academy to the U-18 U.S. Soccer Development Academy National Final.

Barson will join the Black & Gold on January 17 when the team reconvenes for preseason training in Columbus.